Dramatic video captures floodwaters bursting through glass doors of college students’ home
Severe Storms Flood Glassboro Student Home, Triggering Flooding in Multiple Buildings
Glassboro, N.J., Aug. 27 — A sudden surge of floodwater slammed open the glass doors of an off‑campus student residence in Glassboro, New Jersey, as a severe storm dumped heavy rains across the region. The incident, captured on video, shows the water bursting through the doors, a panel flying across the room and the lower level of the house flooding in seconds.
The student residence, home to several Rowan University students preparing to move in for the upcoming fall semester, suffered extensive damage. Resident Tommy Scirrotto, who posted the footage on a GoFundMe page to raise money for repairs, said the storm “claimed the entirety of the lower level at our home. 4 bedrooms completely flooded, resulting in a huge amount of damage.” The floodwaters submerged furniture, beds and rugs, with photos posted on the fundraiser showing a room that was essentially a swimming pool.
The video begins with an inch of water already seeped into the lower level. A student, speaking into the camera, warned, “This door is gonna break.” The warning proved accurate when the glass doors gave way and slammed open, letting the water rush in. Towels and makeshift barriers of laundry had been placed along the base of the doors in an attempt to slow the flow, but they were quickly overwhelmed.
The incident occurred after the National Weather Service reported that southwestern New Jersey had received between four and six inches of rain in a short period. The heavy rainfall sparked flash flooding across the county, including on the Rowan University campus, where the university issued a cautionary statement. “Several campus buildings have also taken on water,” the university said. “Please exercise caution and stay safe during this severe weather.”
Local emergency officials responded to the flooding, but the damage was already extensive. Scirrotto’s GoFundMe page notes that the lower level of the home was almost completely destroyed, and the fundraiser seeks to cover the cost of cleaning, repairs and replacement of damaged belongings.
The video has since circulated online, drawing attention to the severity of the storm and the rapid onset of flooding in residential areas. Officials are monitoring the situation closely as more storms are expected in the coming days. Students and residents are advised to stay indoors and to heed any future warnings from local authorities.
